Diamond Duck in Cricket: The Most Embarrassing Way to Get Out?

Cricket fans know that getting out for zero is painful. But there’s one way to get dismissed that hurts more than a golden duck. It’s the diamond duck. If you’ve ever wondered what is diamond duck in cricket, you’re not alone. It’s rare, funny to watch, but brutal if it happens to you.

There are many types of duck in cricket, but this one stands out because it happens without even facing a ball. Most fans don’t even know this dismissal exists—until it shows up on the scorecard. So whether you play, watch, or just love the game, this blog gives you the full lowdown. No fluff. Just clear answers, real examples, and straight talk.

Let’s get started.

What Is a Diamond Duck in Cricket?

A diamond duck in cricket happens when a batter gets out without facing a single ball. That’s right—zero runs, zero balls faced.

It usually happens through:

• Run outs before facing a ball
  
• Timed out dismissals (extremely rare)

The dismissal is recorded as 0 (0) in the scorebook. It’s worse than a golden duck because at least in a golden duck, you faced a delivery.

In short, a diamond duck means:

• The batter didn’t face a ball
  
• Got out instantly (usually due to a run out or being timed out)
  
• Looks bad and feels worse

How Does a Diamond Duck Happen in Cricket?

There are only a few ways to get out for a diamond duck, and all of them are frustrating:

Run Out Without Facing a Ball

This is the most common type. A batter walks in and gets run out while running for a quick single or mix-up, before facing a ball.

Example:
In the IPL 2021, Sunil Narine got out for a diamond duck. He was run out without facing a ball after a massive mix-up between wickets.

Timed Out Dismissal

If a batter takes too long to come to the crease—usually more than 3 minutes (varies by format)—the umpire can give them out “timed out”.

It’s very rare but counts as a diamond duck because the player didn’t face a ball.

Diamond Duck vs Golden Duck: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand:

Type of Dismissal	Runs Scored	Balls Faced	How It Happens
Diamond Duck	0	0	Run out or timed out
Golden Duck	0	1	Out on the first ball faced

A diamond duck feels worse because the batter doesn’t even get a chance to play. It’s the cricket version of being thrown out before you even enter the room.

Why Is It Called a Diamond Duck?

The term builds on other types of ducks in cricket:

• Duck – Out for 0
  
• Golden Duck – Out for 0 on first ball
  
• Platinum Duck – Out on first ball of the innings
  
• Diamond Duck – Out without facing a ball

“Diamond” was likely used to show how rare and humiliating this type of dismissal is. It’s a cricket slang that’s now part of the game’s lingo worldwide.

Famous Diamond Ducks in Cricket History

1. Sunil Narine – IPL 2021

Run out without facing a ball. The video went viral because the miscommunication was dramatic.

2. Marvan Atapattu – Test Cricket

Atapattu was once dismissed for a diamond duck during a Test match, adding to his list of ducks early in his career.

3. Kurtis Patterson – Sheffield Shield

Dismissed without facing a ball due to a shocking run out.

These cases show that even top players can fall victim to the most awkward dismissal in cricket.

Also read: Types of Outs in Cricket

How Rare Is a Diamond Duck?

Diamond ducks are extremely rare. Most players go their entire career without one. But when they do happen, they stick in memory.

According to ESPNcricinfo match logs:

• Less than 1 in 500 innings has a diamond duck
  
• Most occur in T20 matches where running between wickets is aggressive
  
• Run outs account for 95% of diamond ducks

How to Avoid Getting Out for a Diamond Duck

Here are some practical ways players can avoid this:

1. Clear Communication
   Call loudly and clearly when running between wickets.
   
2. Stay Aware
   Know the game situation and your partner’s body language.
   
3. Don’t Rush
   Take a breath before running for your first single.
   
4. Know the Rules
   Be ready to bat when your turn comes. Avoid timed out dismissals.

Even pros forget these basics. That’s why we still see these kinds of dismissals.

Is a Diamond Duck Worse Than a Golden Duck?

Most fans would say yes. Here’s why:

• No chance to face a ball
  
• Often caused by a mistake or confusion
  
• Feels more embarrassing
  
• Rare enough to become a talking point

Some even say it’s the most humiliating way to get out in cricket.

Other Rare Ducks in Cricket 

While the diamond duck in cricket is among the rarest and most awkward dismissals, there are a few other types that fans often hear about. Here’s a brief look at some of them:

• Golden duck in cricket
  A golden duck in cricket happens when a batter is dismissed on the very first ball they face. It’s common across all formats and feared by top-order players.
  
• Silver duck in cricket
  The silver duck in cricket refers to a player getting out for zero on the second ball they face. It’s less talked about but still counts as a duck on the scorecard.
  
• Bronze duck in cricket
  A bronze duck in cricket is when a batter gets out for zero on the third ball they face. Though rare, some statisticians and fans use the term casually.
  
• Platinum duck in cricket
  The platinum duck in cricket is a dismissal on the very first ball of the innings. Openers are most at risk, especially in fast-paced T20 games.

These terms aren’t officially recognized by cricket boards, but they are part of popular cricket slang used by fans, scorers, and commentators. They help describe the nature of a batter’s dismissal in more detail and add a layer of fun language to the game.

Why Do Fans Love to Talk About Diamond Ducks?

• They’re funny to watch (unless it’s your favorite player)
  
• They’re rare, so they get shared more on social media
  
• They’re memorable, especially when a big player gets one

Some fans on Reddit and Quora even debate whether a diamond duck cricket dismissal is worse than a golden duck. The general fan reaction is often laughter, followed by sympathy—unless it’s against a rival team.

Conclusion: One of Cricket’s Most Painful Moments

The diamond duck in cricket may not happen often, but when it does, it leaves a mark. For fans, it’s a wild moment. For players, it’s a mix of bad luck and bad timing.

Whether you’re a pro or just play for fun, nobody wants this on their scorecard. That’s why smart running, clear calls, and quick readiness matter.

And if you’re serious about tracking your stats—even your ducks. CricHeroes is the app to use. From ball-by-ball commentary to smart analytics, it’s the best app for grassroots players who want a pro-level experience.

FAQ: Diamond Duck in Cricket

What is a diamond duck in cricket?

It means a batter is dismissed without facing a ball, usually run out or timed out.

How does a diamond duck happen?

The player gets run out or doesn’t arrive at the crease in time, without facing a delivery.

Is a diamond duck worse than a golden duck?

Yes, because the batter doesn’t even get a chance to play a shot.

Who has gotten out for a diamond duck?

Players like Sunil Narine, Marvan Atapattu, and others have been dismissed this way.

Can a bowler get a diamond duck?

Yes. If a bowler comes in to bat and is run out without facing a ball, it’s still a diamond duck.

Are diamond ducks counted in stats?

Yes. It shows as 0 runs and 0 balls faced on the scorecard.

How rare is a diamond duck?

Very rare—only seen in about 0.2% of innings across formats.

What is a timed out dismissal?

When a batter takes too long to reach the crease (usually more than 3 minutes), they can be ruled out.

Can this happen in T20 cricket?

Yes. It’s more likely in T20s because of quick runs and mix-ups between wickets.

What’s the best way to avoid a diamond duck?

Communicate clearly when running and be ready when it’s your turn to bat.